The IELTS Speaking test is designed to evaluate your English communication skills. An examiner will assess you based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions related to “Describe a situation when you had to deal with a difficult person” are quite common and require a thoughtful response to score high.
In this article, we’ll explore an effective approach to tackling such questions, provide sample responses for different parts of the IELTS Speaking test, and share some essential phrases and vocabulary to help you shine.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common Questions
- Do you often meet difficult people at work or school?
- How do you usually deal with difficult people?
- Can you describe a recent situation when you had to handle a difficult person?
Example Answer for Part 1
Examiner: Do you often meet difficult people at work or school?
Candidate: Yes, encountering difficult people is something that occurs quite frequently both at work and school. For instance, at my workplace, I have to collaborate with colleagues who might not always agree with my viewpoints or work methods. This often results in heated debates or conflicts. However, I find that staying calm and professional while trying to understand their perspective usually helps in smoothing things out.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a situation when you had to deal with a difficult person.
You should say:
- who this person was
- what the situation was
- how you dealt with him/her
- and explain why you found this person difficult
Sample Answer for Part 2
I vividly remember a situation a few months ago when I had to deal with a particularly difficult colleague at work. He was a team leader who was very demanding and had a tendency to micromanage everyone.
The situation occurred during a crucial project where clear communication and teamwork were essential. However, this colleague consistently ignored team ideas and imposed his own methods, which were often inefficient. This resulted in significant delays and frustration among the team members.
To handle this situation, I decided to have a one-on-one conversation with him. I began by acknowledging his expertise and expressing my understanding of his pressure to deliver results. Then, I calmly pointed out how his approach was affecting team morale and overall productivity. I suggested some strategies to streamline our processes and encouraged a more collaborative approach.
Eventually, he was receptive to my feedback, and we were able to proceed with the project more efficiently. This experience taught me the importance of communication and empathy when dealing with difficult people.
Follow-up Bullet Points
Examiner: What can be the consequences of not resolving conflicts with difficult people in a professional setting?
Candidate: Failing to resolve conflicts can lead to a toxic work environment, decreased employee morale, and diminished productivity. It can also result in missed deadlines and poor quality of work.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions
- How do different cultures handle difficult people?
- Can difficult people have a positive influence on a team?
Sample Answer for Part 3
Examiner: How do different cultures handle difficult people?
Candidate: Different cultures have various approaches to dealing with difficult people. In some Western cultures, direct confrontation and open communication are often encouraged. People are more likely to address issues head-on and resolve conflicts through dialogue. On the other hand, in many Asian cultures, indirect methods and maintaining harmony are prioritized. People might use a more subtle approach, focusing on preserving relationships and avoiding direct confrontation. Understanding these cultural differences is crucial in multicultural environments.
Examiner: Can difficult people have a positive influence on a team?
Candidate: Absolutely. While dealing with difficult people can often be challenging, they can bring about positive changes too. For instance, a demanding person can push the team out of its comfort zone, fostering innovation and improvement. They may also challenge existing processes, prompting the team to find more efficient solutions. However, it’s essential that their influence is balanced with encouragement and constructive feedback.
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
- Micromanage [ˈmaɪkrəˌmænɪdʒ]: To control every part of a process.
- Empathy [ˈɛmpəθi]: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Productivity [prəˌdʌkˈtɪvɪti]: The effectiveness of productive effort.
- Collaborative Approach: Working together with others to achieve a goal.
- Toxic Work Environment: A workplace that is harmful to employees’ well-being.
Example Sentences
- “His tendency to micromanage was creating frustration among colleagues.”
- “Effective communication and empathy are key when resolving conflicts.”
- “A decrease in productivity can result from unresolved conflicts.”
Tips for Practicing Speaking
- Record Yourself: Record your answers and listen to them to identify areas that need improvement.
- Practice with a Partner: Engage in mock speaking tests with a friend or tutor.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and synonyms to avoid repetition.
- Fluency Over Accuracy: Focus on speaking smoothly and coherently rather than worrying too much about minor mistakes.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you can enhance your speaking skills and perform confidently in the IELTS Speaking test.